You have an old client; one that has stuck with you through thick and thin. A new client who has just begun to see the value you have to offer, and there are others who don’t know about you yet but may just be interested if you approached them in the right way.
So how?
These ideas will help:
- Send a holiday card. Write on the card personally, including how important the client is to your business and why, don’t just sign your signature.
- Make sure you send a thank you note after the conclusion of your work together. This note should be hand written and mailed snail-mail.
- Invite an individual client to dinner. Pay for the event. Get to know the client outside their realm of business.
- When getting to know someone new, shake hands firmly, look the prospective client in the eyes, and smile. A smile does wonders for a first connection and further work together.
- Make sure you have a business card at your fingertips. Leave it with the prospective client.
- Return phone calls by new as well as established clients as soon as possible. Return emails with the same speed. If you have to, make sure you return calls and email messages at the first of every day.
- Be willing to fix a problem when you see it, don’t let it drag on. Take responsibility for your actions. If the problem began with you, be big enough to admit it. If the problem was initiated by the client, don’t point fingers but let them know of the problem you see and ask for ideas on how you might solve it together.
Customer relations with clients and prospective clients not only keeps you and your co-workers happy but allows your client to see you in a positive light; a light that can’t help but figure into your future business together.
